The Editor, Sir:

As we helplessly watch the price of fuel skyrocketing not only in Jamaica, but also internationally, I think that the time is right for an incentive-driven carpooling initiative. I say incentive-driven because as a people, we tend to always want to know "what is in it for me", even though we can visualise the cumulative benefits that can be achieved on the macro level.

As a people, we must remind ourselves that Jamaica is not an oil-producing country and has no say or control over the price of this commodity on the world market. The only factor that we can and must exercise control over is our consumption. And, it is because of the seriousness of the situation why I am suggesting not merely carpooling, but an incentive-driven carpooling.

And, who should take the leadership of this programme? I think it should be a private sector-driven programme, piloted first on a small scale then, based on the results, replicated on a national level with company/industry specific incentives. There are many other benefits, most of which we are all aware of, that can be derived from car-pooling other than the reduction of our national fuel bill. However, even if this is the only objective achieved, these savings could be channelled into other very needy areas.

Ostentatious

I know that as a people, we tend to be very ostentatious and we like our own space but we need to quickly wake up to the realities that we have no control over. I know that the process can only be successful if our people buy into and are committed to the process. So, I am suggesting that we commence the process during the summer when the schools are closed and the excuse of having children to drop off and pick up at schools would be minimised.

Let us not wait until we are forced into a situation where importation is reduced and distribution is rationed. Remember, Jamaica can in no way influence the price of this very essential commodity.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com